ITBridge: EU-Ukraine Digital Sector Interlinkages Report

EU-Ukraine Digital Sector Interlinkages Report is the first systematic study that mapped 14 critical technological dependencies of the EU, identified by the European Commission, against the actual competencies of the Ukrainian IT market.

The report reveals the "Golden Triangle of Opportunities" where EU industrial demand, Ukraine's proven technological capabilities, and clear mutual interest in innovation converge, creating an unprecedented pathway to strengthening Europe's digital sovereignty and accelerating economic growth on both sides.

The report was prepared by a consortium of Ukrainian and European IT clusters within the ITBridge project. The main conclusion is a direct and practical synergy between Ukraine's developed technology sector and the EU's most pressing strategic dependencies.

Strategic Digital Dependencies of the EU

The European Commission has identified 14 technological areas where dependence on non-European companies is critical.

Five of them are recognised as security threats: Big Data & Analytics, Cloud, Edge & Fog Computing, Cybersecurity, IoT & Embedded Systems, Semiconductors & Microelectronics

Another nine pose risks to economic competitiveness: Web Platforms & Applications, AI & ML, AR/VR/XR, 5G & Next-Gen Connectivity, Quantum Technologies, Unmanned Vehicles, Robotics & Automation, Enterprise Process Automation

According to the ITBridge study, Ukraine can be an EU partner in 9 of these areas — Big Data & Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Edge & Fog Computing, IoT & Embedded Systems (critical) — as well as Unmanned Vehicles, Web Platforms & Applications, AI & ML, Enterprise Process Automation, Robotics & Automation

Comparison of EU and Ukrainian digital sectors: key indicators

What Ukraine Offers: Numbers in Context

$6.8 billion in IT services exports in 2024. This represents 37.7% of Ukraine's total services exports — the country's largest service industry. For European businesses, this means the market is mature, companies are accustomed to working for export, and "first-mover" risks are minimal.

Dynamics of Ukraine's IT services exports 2020-2025 (according to NBU data)

328,000 technical specialists, 20,000+ graduates annually. A talent pool that enables project scaling. If a pilot is successful, there are people to deploy it.

Number of IT industry specialists by category (according to YCMarket data)

Diia.City with residents including Samsung, SAP, Visa, Nokia. A regulatory environment tested by global players. Competitive tax regime, common law-based legal instruments — conditions are clear and predictable.

Diia City: resident data as of the end of 2025 (according to Ministry of Digital Transformation data)

93% of companies operate in international markets. A key indicator, as there is no need to teach a partner how to work with foreign clients — processes, standards, and communication are already established.

Ukraine's Key Technological Competencies

Ukraine's technology industry is an innovation engine with world-class expertise that has been battle-tested.

Leader on the front line — internationally recognised competence:

• Unmanned Vehicles: a globally recognised innovation hub in aerial, ground, and maritime drones.
• Web Platforms & Applications: a mature, flexible, and scalable ecosystem delivering comprehensive digital solutions.

Strong player — established, export-ready competence:

• AI & ML — computer vision, NLP, intelligent automation.
• Big Data & Analytics — data warehouses, analytical systems, BI tools.
• Cloud, Edge & Fog Computing — scalable infrastructure for business.
• IoT & Embedded Systems — solutions for AgriTech, manufacturing, logistics.
• Robotics & Automation — from production lines to business processes.
• Blockchain & Distributed Ledger — decentralised transactions and data management.
• Cybersecurity. Ukraine repels state-level cyberattacks daily. This expertise in system resilience is a unique selling proposition for European businesses and governments.

Market Opportunities for Ukrainian Innovation in the EU

The European Union has already demonstrated its readiness for cooperation by creating clear rules and financial opportunities for Ukrainian companies. The EU Single Market opens real opportunities for business development — these are not declarations but practical conditions for growth.

For Business

• Ukraine has gained full access to the Single Market Programme — Ukrainian companies can participate in European initiatives on equal terms with companies from EU member states, opening access to a market of 450 million consumers.
• Horizon Europe and Digital Europe Programme provide access to billions in EU budgets for funding joint research projects, innovation, and digitalisation. Ukrainian companies can join consortia and receive direct funding.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). The world's largest business support network that helps companies find international partners, enter new markets, and integrate into European supply chains.
• European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network. Six such hubs operate in Ukraine. They provide SMEs with a range of services: testing new technologies, access to training programmes, and assistance in finding European partners. Essentially, this is a "one-stop shop" for Ukrainian SMEs planning technological cooperation with the EU.

For Clusters

• European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP). A platform for finding partners among European clusters, entering new markets, and integrating into European value chains.
• EU-Ukraine Cluster Partnership Programme. A programme for direct funding of cooperation projects between Ukrainian and European clusters. The ITBridge project, which produced this study, is implemented within this framework.

This structure sends an unambiguous signal: the EU is investing in building a shared digital future with Ukraine, providing the tools, resources, and market access necessary for a truly synergetic partnership.

Call to Action for European Business Leaders

The path to a more resilient and innovative Europe runs through Ukraine. To seize this opportunity, European businesses should:

• Build strategic partnerships, not just order services. Engage Ukrainian technology companies as equal partners — jointly create new products, solutions, and shared intellectual property.
• Co-invest in Ukrainian industrial modernisation. Develop joint projects in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy by implementing Industry 4.0 solutions. This will help Europe form reliable, nearby, and technologically advanced supply chains.
• Take advantage of favourable investment conditions. Utilise the opportunities of Diia.City and EU-supported programmes that reduce risks and enable building long-term, profitable businesses.

By developing such partnerships, European and Ukrainian businesses together can strengthen Europe's technological independence, accelerate economic growth, and lay the foundation for leadership in global technology in the years ahead.

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